Review: Crux Ninfamaniac Dark

I reviewed the Crux Ninfamaniac Natural a few months back, and it got a 96, my highest rating to date. So, the natural progression would be to get a review done of the Dark version. Again, I just love the look and feel of this little cigar! The closed foot, perfecto shape and lancero size are win-win. The only difference on the dark version is Sungrown Habano Jalapa wrapper, which brings the strength level up into the "full" range.

Ninfamaniac Dark by Crux Cigars

Size: 7 x 33

Vitola: Perfecto Lancero

Wrapper: Habano Sungrown Jalapa

Binder: Indonesia

Filler: Nicaraguan

Cigars Smoked for this Review: One

Price Point: $5.99

Cigar Purchased: Sample from Crux Cigars

Quick Note: For this review I used the CF rating system. You can view it in detail here.

The prelight aroma is a nice semi-sweet cocoa with underlying barnyard notes. Great construction, with clean seams, smooth texture and a very solid feel. I can't find a fault in the construction of anything I've gotten from Crux, myself.

The tiny, closed foot lights up very easily and I never have to pick up my lighter again. The Ninfamaniac Dark starts off with nice espresso flavors and a deep, bitter chocolate sweetness on the finish. This transitions into a sort of sweet, spicy cedar note, towards the end of this third. There is also a little tingle in the back of my throat from this cigar. The burn on these things is amazing.

In the second third, the Ninfamaniac Dark became much drier. It wasn't that bad kind of dry. The flavors were of espresso and cocoa, but a dry profile of them. Good, but not as creamy as I would have liked. Still, a razor sharp burn and tons of white smoke.

The final third really ramped it up, in body and strength. The Ninfamaniac Dark also became very woody. There was a more dominant flavor of oak, with slight hints of cedar wafting in and out. I am also getting a light coffee flavor on the finish. The tail end of the Dark is spicy, with earthy espresso notes. Very tasty, but a little fuller in strength than I like.

Final thoughts? How does it compare to the Natural version? Quality and construction are all there. Razor sharp burn and tons of smoke.The flavors were good and moved around enough to keep it interesting. But, that Dark is made for those that like a fuller cigar. The Natural was made for me, no doubt. The dark was a little strong for my wheelhouse, but still an excellent cigar. If you lean toward full or find the natural version lacking, give the dark version a try, for sure!

I would smoke the Natural all day long! But I would smoke this one occasionally, and after a big meal in the evening. Just had more power than I care for. I think they nailed it though. A blend for both sides. :)

The construction on the Crux cigars is top notch. I was amazed, too, that I smoked one of these and never had any problems or relights. The dark wasn't really a cigar I would gravitate to but it was enjoyable. I have 2 Naturals t fire up soon. Good stuff.

I thought these were good, I too liked the Natural version a lot better myself, although I didn't find the dark to be over the medium mark in strength. Love the size, great review...I'll be posting a review tomorrow of the Dominion Black Lotus.

I just got done smoking one of these and really liked it. I can see how the strength could get to you if you don't enjoy strong cigars. I agree that this is one of those smokes that has a time and place, but overall I really enjoyed the flavors and remained interested in the cigar until the very end.